School started for some last week, for others his week. I salute all those who will be in front of the class this coming season.
This August marks the sixth year that I will not be on the firing line, but I still have the same ache in the pit-of-the-stomach as the first day nears.
The following list of 'Rules for Teachers' was generally in use in 1872, when it was first published. All these did not apply to all, but...

Teachers each day will fill lamps and clean (lamp) chimneys.

Each teacher will bring a bucket of water and a scuttle of coal for the day's session.

Make your pens carefully. You may whittle nibs to the individual taste of the pupils.

Male teachers may take one evening each week for courting purposes, or two evenings a week if they go to church regularly.

After 10 hours in school, the teacher may spend the remaining time reading the Bible or other good books.

Any teacher who smokes, uses liquor in any form, frequents pool or public halls, or gets shaved in a barber shop will give good reason to suspect his worth, intention, integrity and honesty.

The teacher who performs his labor faithfully and without fault for five years will be given an increase of 25 cents per week in his pay, providing the Board of Education approves.

Times have certainly changed, except for the pay.
--Mike Watson

This story was posted on 2015-08-11 09:37:57

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